The Decoy from the Franconian direct mail order company YT Industries is an old acquaintance in the EMTB test. The E-Enduro has already scooped several test wins in our comparisons. But that was quite a while ago and the platform has only undergone cosmetic changes since then.
The compact geometry and the small battery also show their age. In the meantime, there are also a 720 battery that fits into the Decoybut the low-cost Core 1 only comes with 540 watt hours ex works.
At the current price of well under 4000 euros, this is bearable - because there are hardly any capable enduro e-bikes at this price. Can the Bolide with its carbon main frame, despite its age, still keep up with more modern e-MTBs?
In the test: 4 E-MTB full-suspension bikes under 4000 euros
Click here to go directly to the detailed test report:
- Conway eWME 3.9
- Radon Render AL 7.0 750
- Rockrider E-Feel 700S
- you are reading: YT Industries Decoy MX Core 1
The MX version of the Decoy is fully trimmed for downhill riding. To match the full suspension travel of the enduro bike, YT the thick Rockshox Domain forkthe cheaper (and heavier!) sister of the popular ZEB. And a steel spring shock absorber from Rockshox at the rear. The stable downhill parts add up to an impressive total weight of 25.6 kilos. That's a lot for a carbon frame and a small battery! But in the practical test, the Decoy scored with its usual superior downhill characteristics. According to the price list, the bike costs 4999 euros - but the mail order company has permanently reduced the Core 1 to 3749 euros. This is a sensational price for this package, as the bike lacks nothing on the equipment side to be able to really step on the gas in rough terrain and in the bike park.
The facts about the YT Decoy Core 1 MX
- Motor: Shimano EP6, 85 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 540 Wh (removable)
- Frame material: carbon main frame, aluminium rear triangle
- Suspension travel: 170/165 mm
- Wheel size: 29/27.5 inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Price: 3749 Euro (reduced!)
- Weight: 25.6 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
- Permissible total weight: 150 kg (manufacturer's specification)
The e-bike drive
The Shimano EP6 is around 300 grams heavier and also has noticeably less peak power than the new EP801 top motor. The 540 YT battery is fixed in the down tube with two solid bolts and sits firmly and rattle-free - however, installation and removal require a little more patience than with classic folding solutions. There is an optional 720 battery that fits 1:1 in this bike. However, it does not come ex works, but only as an accessory. With the relatively small 540 battery, the Decoy only has a moderate range. The bike climbs just under 1200 metres in our standardised range test at the highest support level. By way of comparison: bikes with the high-range Bosch combo with a 750 PowerTube can climb 1900 - 2000 metres in an identical test scenario.
The geometry of the YT Enduro e-bike
The YT Decoy is available in five sizes up to XXL. However, the sizes are very small by modern standards. Our test bike in L is even more compact than some current E-MTBs in size M. You should definitely bear this in mind when choosing a size. Reach and wheelbase are short for an E-Enduro. However, the long seat tube means you have to be careful when choosing a larger size. Short chainstays and a slack head angle should make the bike a lot of fun on the trails.
EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L, "low" position)
- Seat tube length: 440 mm
- Wheelbase: 1235 mm
- Reach: 442 mm
- Stack: 641 mm
- Steering angle: 63.5 degrees
- Seat angle: 74.5 degrees
- Chainstay length: 442 mm
The features of the YT Decoy Core 1 MX
- Fork / Shock: Rockshox Domain R / Deluxe Coil Select
- Gears: Shimano Deore 12-speed, 36x10-51
- Brakes: Sram DB8, 200/200 mm
- Wheels: Sun Ringle Düroc SD37 Comp
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai DD Maxxgrip, 29 x 2.5'' / Minion DHR II DD Maxterra, 27.5 x 2.4''
- Special features: Telescopic support with 170 mm stroke
Practical test: How the YT Decoy Core 1 MX rides
Things get really fun on board the YT Decoy when you pick up speed downhill! The fluffy suspension then puts its stamp on the experience. Small bumps are absorbed sensitively, and the Decoy also absorbs big bumps and hard landings with ease. The Domain fork is comfort-orientated. At high speeds, adjustable compression damping would be desirable to realise an even more defined riding experience.
The Decoy generates its smooth ride primarily through the good suspension. If you really want to go full throttle, you should definitely go for a larger size, because the bike is really compact. It's amazing that it's still so stable. The outstanding tyre combination with Doubledown carcass and soft MaxxGrip rubber also plays a clear part in this.
Thanks to the compact geometry, the Decoy is not at all sluggish even on less nasty trails, but is fun to ride and easy to pull onto the rear wheel or into the air. However, it can't quite hide its high weight - it doesn't feel really lively. For a 170cc E-Enduro, especially at this price point, the trail fun is really strong.
The YT Decoy shows weaknesses in really nasty uphills. Here, the front has to be very actively loaded. With a long saddle extension, you sit rear-heavy and lose control a little earlier. The moderate punch of the EP6 is also a slight detraction. However, the traction on the rear wheel is excellent. The downhill-strong Decoy MX is more of a shuttle bike than a confident climbing partner for tricky climbs.
EMTB evaluation of the YT Decoy Core 1 MX
Strengths
- Powerful and easy to swallow downhill
- Fun handling
- Top enduro equipment at a fair price
Weaknesses
- Heavy, despite small battery and carbon fibre
- Low range
- Not an uphill artist
The EMTB review of the YT Decoy Core 1 MX
Powerful E-Enduro with harmonious equipment at a competitive price. It skilfully combines handling qualities and riding fun. Never before have we tested such a powerful e-bike under 4000 euros! Unfortunately heavy, despite the small battery. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, EMTB Magazine
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
